For those looking to get an insider.look at how select sports brands operate, we have found a few good recent examples. The first one was ESPN's documentary that aired last night, “The Zen of Bobby V,” which as most know is the NYU student produced film that followed Bobby Valentine for seven months in Japan's Pacific League. From a branding standpoint, the 90 minute film gave Americans a real insight into the inner workings of Japanese baseball in addition to Valentine's unique personality…showing what promotions work, the degree of fan loyalty and most importantly the struggles that can occur on the business side when American marketing principles are attempted to be adapted in another culture. We have talked on many occasions about American companies successes and failures in trying to take the American sports experience overseas, and the film touched on many of those issues that Valentine has tried to work with in his Japanese stay. Also on the insider look, check out the Charleston River Dogs blog on a day in the life of GM Larry Hawkins. It lays out pretty clearly all that goes into the work behind the scenes, and although the daily life of someone like Mets GM Omar Minaya may be different, the commitment to excellence remains the same. Also on a look inside, the Chicago Tribune ran a great piece this week o.the great prep program that Chicago public schools are running to get high schoolers interested and motivated in journalism called HoopsHIGH.Even for those a little older, the piece gives some solid insight into what needs to be done to be a success in broadcasting. Great example for other municipalities as well.
Some other good reads and ideas…from the “where do they find these promos” file, the Hudson Valley Renegades will have a tailgating and NFL promotion in late August, with the first pitch coming from 12 year old Connecticut native David Whitthoft, who has worn the same Brett Favre jersey every day for over four years…following up on yesterday's news cycle post, the New York Post completed the cycle with Fred Kerber's interview today with Laurel D’Antoni, the WIFE of new Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni…always good to find the other side to the story…and on the branding side, check out the National Post piec.looking at the NHL's Sidney Crosby marketing plan…gives good insight into the ardent hockey fans view of how the sport should be marketed to an American audience.
